What issues are HR departments currently facing? Where do they stand on digitalisation and AI – and what is needed for HR to take on a more strategic role in the future? Once again in 2026, HR Campus has taken the pulse of the HR world, surveying HR professionals about their current priorities, challenges and focus areas. The findings are now summarised in the new HR Pulse Survey 2026.
HR wants to shape the future. Why is administration still so prevalent?
This year's survey shows that digitalisation is high on the HR agenda. Yet there remains a gap between strategic aspirations and day-to-day implementation.
While administrative processes are already largely supported by software, strategic topics continue to lag behind. At the same time, many organisations lack a clear digitalisation strategy and key capabilities in the areas of transformation, data and digitalisation.
AI has also become part of everyday HR work, but is often still used informally and without common guidelines. For HR to make targeted use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation, data and AI, more than just new tools is needed: a clear vision, the right skills and close collaboration with IT and the business.
All results at a glance
What issues are currently shaping HR? Where does HR stand on digitalisation and AI? And what is needed to make the transition from digital administration to strategic shaping?
The HR Pulse Survey 2026 provides insights into the findings of this year's survey and shows where HR departments stand today and which topics are shaping their path forward.